Solitaire tic-tac-toe game

ABSTRACT

A TIC-TAC-TOE type game where moves for one of the players can be computed. In the game there are counters for each player to mark his position on a playing board. In addition, there is a series of counters used to mark positions on the board not occupied by the players. All counters have grooves on them and there is a stylus for travel over the grooves. A player&#39;&#39;s moves are computed by moving the stylus over the grooves until it stops on one of the counters that belongs to none of the players.

United States Patent [1 1 Grasham 1 1 SOLITAIRE TlC-TAC-TOE GAME [76]Inventor: James A. Grasham, PO. Box 207,

Eugene, Oreg. 97401 [22] Filed: July 28, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 276,253

[52] US. Cl. 273/130 B; 273/109; 273/136 E; 273/137 R [51] Int. Cl. A6313/00 [58] Field of Search 273/153 R, 160, 130, 131, 273/134,132,136 R,136 E, 136 F, 136 R,

136 11,136 G, 136 GB, 136 Z, 137 R, 137 C,

137 D, 137 B,109,110,113,1l5,156, 157

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 471,666 3/1892 Doty 273/130R 2,162,876 6/1939 Barton 273/131 B 2,585,268 2/1952 Olsen 273/131 B3,309,092 3/1967 Hardesty et al.... 273/134 GA 3,586,333 6/1971 Abney273/137 R X June 17, 1975 3,706,455 12/1972 Meyer 273/110 3,727,9164/1973 Miller 273/131 B X 3,731,934 5/1973 Shoptough 273/131 BA X3,741,545 6/1973 Weisbecker 273/131 BA FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS1,174,676 12/1969 United Kingdom 273/134 GA 694,880 7/1953 UnitedKingdom 273/134 GA X Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham AssistantExaminer-Harry G. Strappello [57] ABSTRACT A TlC-TAC-TOE type game wheremoves for one of I the players can be computed. In the' game there arecounters for each player to mark his position on a playing board. Inaddition, there is a series of counters used to mark positions on theboard not occupied by the players. All counters have grooves on them andthere is a stylus for travel over the grooves. A players moves arecomputed by moving the stylus over the grooves until it stops on one ofthe counters that belongs to none of the players.

20 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures SOLITAIRE TIC-TAC-TOE GAME BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a game devicecapable of solving a series of problems, as for example a sequence ofproblems encountered in the playing of a game to permit a game such asTic-'Iac-Toe to be played in a solitaire manner.

While previous efforts toward solitaire devices have included problemsolving devices, these efforts have been very complex for the most partutilizing involved mechanical or electrical devices. Examples of suchefforts are found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,811,359 to R. C.Haufc; 2.877,()l9 to Keister; and 3,145,993 to Archer.

Devices ofthe above type are of a complex nature and as such havelimited appeal to the public by reason of the high original cost andmaintenance effort required. Further, their complex nature renders themunsuitable for use by all age groups.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention is embodiedwithin a device wherein a first set of counters, in three-by-threedisposition, is replaced one by one by alternating operator andopponent' moves. Opponent moves are determined by the relationship of astylus and solution means on one of the counters in the stylus path.More particularly, one form of the invention concerns a Tic- Tac-Toegame of the solitaire type wherein the plays of the opponent aredetermined by the particular arrangement of counters in place on aplaying surface and the resulting path of a stylus thereover. The styluspath above referred to will be varied by the alternate countersubstitutions of the operator and opponent.

Common to the basic form of the invention are a plurality of counterswith the operator and his opponent" having individual counters which areplayed during alternate moves by substituting same for countersinitially in place. The playing surface may vary from simply a suitablesupporting surface of a size enabling a three-by-three counterarrangement at the game start with other variations including a recessedmatrix or board to receive the counters.

An object for guided travel from one counter to the next is utilized.one such object being a hand-held stylus while such an object may takethe form of a rolling object. Solution means are provided on each of theinitially placed counters which cooperate with the moving stylus, orother moving object. to indicate where the opponents next move will be.The interaction between stylus and solution means, indicating theopponent" moves, will be later described in detail.

The counters. and playing board if used, include cator means on thecounters insuring proper counter orientation of operator and opponentcounters to one another. For example, the counters may be provided withrecessed areas engageable with occupying projections of the board or, asan alternative, the counters may be provided with indices to insureproper orientation.

The device may be constructed so as to provide differing degrees ofchallenge, i.e., embodiments wherein the operator will most often winranging to those wherein the opponent chances of winning are increased.A modified form of the device will permit a further variable in that thestylus guiding means may include a provision for the operator toexercise a choice in the course of the stylus to vary the outcome of thegame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view ofa matrix or game board of one form of theinvention,

FIG. 2 is a composite plan view of a typical set of counters,

FIG. 3 is a stylus,

FIG. 3A is a ball member which may be used in place of the stylus,

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the matrix supporting nine B counters initiallyin place at the start of a problem solv ing sequence,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a partially completed sequence.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 66 of the FIG. 5,-showingtransfer groove formation,

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an almost completed problem solving sequence,

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary plan view of a matrix with a modified form oftransfer grooves thereon, and

FIG. 8 is a view of a modified form of counter wherein a solutionindicator is provided thereon with each counter being coded for properorientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With continuingreference to the drawings wherein applied reference numerals indicatecomponents similarly identified in the following specification. thereference numeral 1 indicates a matrix in the nature of a counter holderof a thickness permitting the formation of counter receiving recessedareas 2.

In the first described form of the invention, each area 2 has counterpositioning means in the form of a projection 3 for engagement with acorresponding recessed area in each counter as later described. Analternative manner of properly orientating the counters is indicated inFIG. 8 wherein a plus (-I-) symbol on a counter is matched with a secondsymbol.

Provided for placement into each of the recessed areas are a quantity ofcounters, each desirably of a thickness so as to define stylus guidinggrooves constituting guide means and also to project somewhat above thesurrounding matrix surface (FIG. 6) to facilitate finger-tip removalfrom said areas. The counters, in one form of the invention, are inthree groups: starting counters indicated by the letter B thereon,opponent counters indicated by the letter X thereon, and operatorcounters indicated by the letter O thereon all as viewed in FIG. 2. Thecounters B, X and O are provided respectively with grooves 8, 9 and 10shown as lines in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7 and 7A for guidance of the stylus orother moving object. With reference to FIG. 2, nine B counters are shownwhich are initially set in place in the nine recessed areas 2 at thestart of a sequence. Also shown are five X counters and four 0 counterssuch constituting a minimum number of counters for the playing of onegame. Each counter bears a starting point indices S in the form of anarrowhead marking both a groove and direction of stylus travel. 3

The matrix 1 includes what may be termed transfer areas at 1B, whichareareas intermediate adjacent recessed areas 2. Each transfer area definesstylus guiding transfer grooves at 4 with the exception innermosttransfer area 18 which has but a single groove. Accordingly. guide meansare provided on the matrix I for directing a moving object. such as astylus. from a specific groove 8, 9, or 10 on one counter across atransfer area 18 to a specific groove on a second counter. In a modifiedform of the device wherein matrix I is disposed with such transfer suchtransfer occurs directly from counter to counter. Further the transfergrooves 4 may be located other than as shown. for example they mayextend along the margin of the matrix 1.

In FIG. 3 a stylus is indicated at 5 for use by the operator in thefollowing of the counter defined grooves. Another form of movable objectaccomplishing the same function may be a ball member 6 as in FIG. 3Awhich is propelled along the grooved courses by tilting of the hand heldmatrix 1. i

With attention to FIG. 6, the grooves 4defined by the transfer areas 1Bof matrix 1 are desirably inclined along their bottom walls to insureobstruction free stylus travel. The bottom wall at 4A of each transfergroove 4 is inclined to permit free stylus travel in one direction. suchdirection being from the centrally located counter outwardly and thenceinitially in a clockwise direction about the remaining counters. Intraversing a transfer groove 4 a stylus tip will initially drop into thegroove 4 with said tip traveling along bottom wall 4A and departing thesame at a point above the next counter defined groove. In the laterstages of a problem solving sequence. a reversal in the direction of thestylus travel may occur whereby the travel will be in a counterclockwise direction with the groove wall being oppositely inclined fromthe groove wall 4A.

With attention again being directed to the B counters and moreparticularly to the grooves 8 therein. some of said grooves are openended permitting the stylus tip to travel across the counter and intothecommunicating transfer groove 4 while other of the counters groovesterminate on the counter, such grooves hereinafter referred to asclose-ended grooves and constitute one embodiment of solution means.Solution means may be defined as means indicating to the operator whichof the initially in place B counters is to be replaced with an opponentX counter. Accordingly stoppage of the stylus. or other moving object,by the close-ended groove of a B counter indicates to the deviceoperator the next move or placement of an X counter. In a modifled formof counter at 13 in FIG. 8, instead of using close-ended grooves as thesolution means I provide an indicator mark or indices 14. All of thegrooves indicated at 15 on counter 13 are of the open-ended type. Withthis type of solution means it is permissableto form all of the counterswith the same groove pattern with the only difference therebetween beingthe B, X, or O indices thereon and the location of the stylus startingpoint mark S.

At all times the operator will initiate stylus travel during theopponent turn, within a groove of the center counter. The specificgroove and direction of stylus travel is indicated by the arrowhead S onall counters since either an X. 0 or modified counter 13 could, during agame. be the centrally located counter. Similarly all B counters areprovided with an arrowhead S.

The nine B counters indicated in place in the nine recessed areas 2 ofthe matrix are shown in FIG. 4 with the projections 3 insuring propercounter orientation.

To determine the first counter substitution in the playing of a game astylus or other moving object is placed into the arrowhead indicatedgroove of the centrally located B counter with subsequent stylusmovement being terminated by the closed end thereon. Accordingly thedevice operator would substitute an X counter for the center B counter.In the present description the opponent" will go first and will berepresented by the X counters.

In a typical game the first move of the operator may. for example. bethe substitution of the operators 0 counter for a corner located Bcounter. however. any of the eight remaining B counters may be removedand an 0 counter substituted therefor. With attention to FIGS. 4 and 5.the former shows matrix 1 occupied entirely by B counters at the startof a game while FIG.

5 discloses a partially completed sequence wherein an opponent' Xcounter and an operators 0 counter have each been substituted or playedfor B counters.

The next placement of an opponent X counter on the matrix as shown inFIG. 5 will be determined as follows: The stylus tip is placed on thearrowhead of the centrally located X counter with subsequent travel ofthe stylus tip being initially in a left-hand direction onto a Bcounter. thence upwardly onto the 0 counter. thence in a right-handdirection with the stylus guiding grooves terminating on the B counterlocated at the upper right-hand corner of the matrix I.

The operator for his turn, upon noting that two X counters are indiagonal alignment would place an 0 counter at the lower left-handcorner of the matrix. The operator of the present device will departfrom using the stylus in determining X counter placement when. prior tothe opponent" turn. one of the eight possible rows of counters containstwo X counters and a B counter. such automatically requiring theplacement of an X counter resulting in a win for the opponent."Similarly, if there are two 0 counters and a B counter in a row thestylus is not used but rather the opponent turn consists of an X counterbeing exchanged for the single B counter in said row. The foregoing aswell as all moves are with the operator taking alternate turnssubstituting X and O counters for the initially placed B counters.

With attention again being directed toward the playing of-a typical gameas started in FIG. 5 and substantially completed in FIG. 7, the operatornext takes the lower left-hand corner. As there are now two 0 countersand a B counter in the vertical left-hand row the opponent turn consistsof placement of an X counter intermediate the O counters in said row.The operator now plays by placing his 0 counter immediately to the rightof the center counter. For the opponent" turn the stylus is againstarted at 5 on the center counter with travel subsequently beingstopped at the lower right-hand corner for placement thereat of an Xcounter. The operator, for his turn. places an 0 counter immediatelybelow the center counter. The matrix is now as viewed in FIG. 7 with thelast move being an opponent" move with the stylus traveling about thecounters counterclockwise, reversing its direction on the X counterimmediately left of the center counter and thence being stopped on theremaining B counter immediately above the center counter.

The foregoing described device in instances where the opponent" turn isfirst will never lose (ties being possible) while in the event theoperator goes first the device may lose. In the latter case the operatorto win must for his first move place his counter in other than thecenter location.

With attention to FIG. 7A. modified transfer grooves of the intersectingtype are indicated at 4' to enable the operator to exercise a degree ofchoice in the path of the stylus during the opponent turn.

The foregoing description relates to a game device arranged in typicalTic-TaoToe fashion but is not intended to obviate the arrangement ofcounters in other than a three-by-three format. For example the countersmay be arranged in a single row with the recesses being coded torepresent corresponding squares on a typical Tic-Tac-Toe game board. Insuch instance the placement of counters in consecutive rows is notrequired to win. I

While I have shown but a few embodiments of the present invention thescope of the present coverage is not accordingly limited but rather isto be defined under the appended claim coverage.

What I claim is:

l. A game device comprising:

a plurality of counters;

a game board having discrete areas thereon, said board areas forreceiving said counters;

said counters and said game board having thereon means for uniquelyorienting said counters in said board areas;

said counters having first markings thereon. said first markings beingin the form of a plurality of different indicia, each counter havingonly one of said indicia thereon;

said counters having second markings thereon, said second markings beingin the form of pathways, the counters located in said board areas havingcertain pathways on different counters in communication.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

an object for travel over said pathways, certain of said pathways havinga starting point indicator for initiating travel of said object;

means for ending pathway travel of said objectv 3. The device as claimedin claim 2 wherein said unique orienting means are defined by therespective shapes of said counters and said board areas.

4. The device claimed in claim 2 wherein said unique orienting means aredefined by indicia on said counters and said board.

5. A game device comprising:

a plurality of counters;

a game board having discrete areas thereon, said board areas forreceiving said counters;

means for uniquely orienting said counters in said board areas;

said counters having first markings thereon, said first markings beingin the form of first, second, and third indicia, each counter havingonly one of said indicia thereon;

said counters having second markings thereon, said second markings beingin the form of pathways, the counters located in said board areas havingcertain pathways on different counters in communication.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:

an object for travel over said pathways, certain of said pathways havinga starting point indicator for initiating travel of said object;

means for ending pathway travel of said object.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein certain of said countershave said starting point indicator thereon.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said ending means arelocated on certain of said counters.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said object is in the formof a stylus.

10. The device as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:

an object for travel over said pathways, certain of said pathways havinga starting point indicator for initiating travel of said object, andcertain of said counters having a pathway which ends part of the wayacross the counter.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said object is in the formof a stylus.

12. A game device comprising:

a plurality of counters;

a game board, said board having discrete areas thereon, said areas forreceiving said counters; means for uniquely orienting said counters insaid board areas;

said counters having first markings thereon, said first markings beingin the form of first. second. and third indicia. each counter havingonly one of said indicia thereon;

said counters having second markings thereon, said second markings beingin the form of pathways, the

counters located in said board areas having certain pathways ondifferent counters in communication; an object for travel over saidpathways;

starting point indicators located on certain of said counters. saidstarting point indicators for initiating pathway travel of said object;

means for ending pathway travel of said object, said ending means beingin the form of pathways which end part of the way across a counter.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said object is in the formof a stylus.

14. A game device comprising:

a plurality of counters:

a game board, said board having discrete areas thereon, said areas forreceiving said counters; means for uniquely orienting counters in saidboard areas;

said counters having first markings thereon, said first markings beingin the form of first, second, and third indicia, each counter havingonly one of said indicia thereon;

said counters having second markings thereon, said second markings beingin the form of pathways, the

counters located in said board areas having certain pathways ondifferent counters in communication; an object for travel over saidpathways;

certain of said pathways having a starting point indicator forinitiating travel of said object;

certain of said counters having a direction indicator thereon, saiddirection indicator for indicating desired direction of pathway travelfor said object; and

means for ending pathway travel of said object.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14 wherein certain of said countershave said starting point indicator thereon.

16. A game device comprising:

a plurality of counters;

said counters having first markings thereon, said first markings beingin the form of pathways:

an object for travel over said pathways;

a game board having first and second areas thereon, said first areas forthe reception of said counters, said second areas interposed betweensaid first areas and having pathways thereon, said second area pathwaysfor transferring said object during its travels from a pathway on onecounter to a pathway on another counter. said second area pathways beingin the form of grooves, said grooves and object having dimensionsappropriate for allowing, during groove travel of said object, contactof said object with the bottom wall of said grooves. and said grooveshaving the bottom wall inclined for unhindered unidirectional travel ofsaid object.

17. The device as claimed in claim 16 further comprising: means forending pathway travel of said object;

certain of said pathways having a starting point indicator, saidstarting point indicator for initiating travel of said object. 18. Thedevice as claimed in claim 17 further comprising:

means for uniquely orienting said counters in said first board areas.19. The device as claimed in claim 18 further comprising: V

second markings located on said counters, said second markings being inthe form of first, second, and third indicia, each counter having onlyone of said indicia thereon. 20. The device as claimed in claim 16further comprising:

means for uniquely orienting said counters in said first board areas.

1. A game device comprising: a plurality of counters; a game boardhaving discrete areas thereon, said board areas for receiving saidcounters; said counters and said game board having thereon means foruniquely orienting said counters in said board areas; said countershaving first markings thereon, said first markings being in the form ofa plurality of different indicia, each counter having only one of saidindicia thereon; said counters having second markings thereon, saidsecond markings being in the form of pathways, the counters located insaid board areas having certain pathways on different counters incommunication.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:an object for travel over said pathways, certain of said pathways havinga starting point indicator for initiating travel of said object; meansfor ending pathway travel of said object.
 3. The device as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said unique orienting means are defined by therespective shapes of said counters and said board areas.
 4. The deviceas claimed in claim 2 wherein said unique orienting means are defined byindicia on said counters and said board.
 5. A game device comprising: aplurality of counters; a game board having discrete areas thereon, saidboard areas for receiving said counters; means for uniquely orientingsaid counters in said board areas; said counters having first markingsthereon, said first markings being in the form of first, second, andthird indicia, each counter having only one of said indicia thereon;said counters having second markings thereon, said second markings beingin the form of pathways, the counters located in said board areas havingcertain pathways on different counters in communication.
 6. The deviceas claimed in claim 5 further comprising: an object for travel over saidpathways, certain of said pathways having a starting point indicator forinitiating travel of said object; means for ending pathway travel ofsaid object.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein certain of saidcounters have said starting point indicator thereon.
 8. The device asclaimed in claim 7 wherein said ending means are located on certain ofsaid counters.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said objectis in the form of a stylus.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 5 furthercomprising: an object for travel over said pathways, certain of saidpathways having a starting point indicator for initiating travel of saidobject, and certain of said counters having a pathway which ends part ofthe way across the counter.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 10wherein said object is in the form of a stylus.
 12. A game devicecomprising: a plurality of counters; a game board, said board havingdiscrete areas thereon, said areas for receiving said counters; meansfor uniquely orienting said counters in said board areas; said countershaving first markings thereon, said first markings being in the form offirst, second, and third indicia, each counter having only one of saidindicia thereon; said counters having second markings thereon, saidsecond markings being in the form of pathways, the counters located insaid board areas having certain pathways on different counters incommunication; an object for travel over said pathways; starting pointindicators located on certain of said counters, said starting pointindicators for initiating pathway travel of said object; means forending pathway travel of said object, said ending means being in theform of pathways which end part of the way across a counter.
 13. Thedevice as claimed in claim 12 wherein said object is in the form of astylus.
 14. A game device comprising: a plurality of counters; a gameboard, said board having discrete areas thereon, said areas forreceiVing said counters; means for uniquely orienting counters in saidboard areas; said counters having first markings thereon, said firstmarkings being in the form of first, second, and third indicia, eachcounter having only one of said indicia thereon; said counters havingsecond markings thereon, said second markings being in the form ofpathways, the counters located in said board areas having certainpathways on different counters in communication; an object for travelover said pathways; certain of said pathways having a starting pointindicator for initiating travel of said object; certain of said countershaving a direction indicator thereon, said direction indicator forindicating desired direction of pathway travel for said object; andmeans for ending pathway travel of said object.
 15. The device asclaimed in claim 14 wherein certain of said counters have said startingpoint indicator thereon.
 16. A game device comprising: a plurality ofcounters; said counters having first markings thereon, said firstmarkings being in the form of pathways; an object for travel over saidpathways; a game board having first and second areas thereon, said firstareas for the reception of said counters, said second areas interposedbetween said first areas and having pathways thereon, said second areapathways for transferring said object during its travels from a pathwayon one counter to a pathway on another counter, said second areapathways being in the form of grooves, said grooves and object havingdimensions appropriate for allowing, during groove travel of saidobject, contact of said object with the bottom wall of said grooves, andsaid grooves having the bottom wall inclined for unhinderedunidirectional travel of said object.
 17. The device as claimed in claim16 further comprising: means for ending pathway travel of said object;certain of said pathways having a starting point indicator, saidstarting point indicator for initiating travel of said object.
 18. Thedevice as claimed in claim 17 further comprising: means for uniquelyorienting said counters in said first board areas.
 19. The device asclaimed in claim 18 further comprising: second markings located on saidcounters, said second markings being in the form of first, second, andthird indicia, each counter having only one of said indicia thereon. 20.The device as claimed in claim 16 further comprising: means for uniquelyorienting said counters in said first board areas.